BOOZE BRAIN

A STIFF'S DRINK

Professor Paul Elliott from Imperial College London said: “Alcohol drinking in excess is a major public health problem worldwide and we need to find new ways of reducing the harmful effects of alcohol in the population.

“The results of our study point to a previously unrecognised genetic determinant of alcohol drinking among the general population.

“Our findings may eventually lead to new treatments for people whose health is being harmed by drinking.”

The study is published in the journal PNAS.

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Variations of a brain gene - called β-Klotho - affected liking of alcohol in both humans and mice

Professor Gunter Schumann, from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience at King’s College London, said: “Our study reveals a previously unrecognised liver-brain pathway which regulates alcohol consumption in humans, and which could one day be targeted therapeutically to suppress consumption in problem drinkers.”

Government guidelines recommend no more than 14 units a week for men and women – roughly six pints of beer, or six standard 175ml glasses of wine.

But 44 per cent of middle-aged men drink more than this.

Our findings may eventually lead to new treatments for people whose health is being harmed by drinking

Professor Paul ElliottImperial College London

A spokesman for Alcohol Concern said: “These new findings may well help in developing new treatments for alcohol problems in the future.

“But I’m sure that these researchers would be the first to say that problem drinking is never just about genetics.

“There are all sorts of reasons people might have trouble managing their drinking.”

And Dr John Larsen, Drinkaware’s Head of Evidence and Impact, said: “This is interesting research showing the possible link between an inherited gene and alcohol consumption which could potentially benefit people in the future.

“The research has only been done in mice so far and it’s evident more is needed to be done before we can draw clear conclusions on how this may help reduce risky drinking.”